Peer Support Assistant - UI Health, General Psychiatric Nursing

Hiring Department: Hosp Gen Psych Nurs

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1039194

FTE: 0.5

Work Schedule: 3:00PM - 11:00PM rotating weekends

Shift: Evenings

# of Positions: 1

Workplace Type: On-Site

Posting Close Date: April 6, 2026

Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $17.33 - 30.53 / Hourly Wage

About the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health)

The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health) provides comprehensive care, education, and research to the people of Illinois and beyond. A part of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), UI Health comprises a clinical enterprise that includes a Joint Commission-accredited tertiary care hospital and outpatient clinics, and the Mile Square Health Center network of federally qualified health centers. It also includes the seven UIC health science colleges: the College of Applied Health Sciences; the College of Dentistry; the School of Public Health; the Jane Addams College of Social Work; and the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing, including regional campuses in Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield, and Urbana. UI Health is dedicated to the pursuit of health equity. Learn more: https://hospital.uillinois.edu/about-ui-health

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or designee, the Patient Safety Attendant delivers patient care utilizing the Relationship-Based Care model as a framework with the primary responsibility to provide ongoing and continuous observation, and monitoring to patients who may pose a threat of harm. Through therapeutic relationships with patients, families, self and colleagues, the Patient Safety Attendant functions as an interdisciplinary team member who provides patient care and fulfills unit and organizational goals.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Completes assigned projects relating to one-on-one peer support case management and supports the patient through continuous observation of patient or when not providing ongoing and continuous observation, perform Q/15-minute behavioral observation checks or camera observation.
• Develops a rapport and builds therapeutic relationships with clients/peers to create a safe space where clients/peers can be open and honest about their struggles; provides support to clients/peers on a variety of subjects by offering an open perspective and dialogue.
• Provides feedback to RN while completing routine case management assignments to enhance throughput from the emergency room to the psych department.
• Documents patient information in EHR (nursing care provided, intake and output).
• Demonstrates a commitment to UI Health values through teamwork and effective communication to achieve quality outcomes, patient safety, customer satisfaction and a clean, safe and therapeutic environment.
• Collaborates with other staff to identify, promote, and provide positive learning experiences for staff and students.
• Functions as a behavioral health sitter and floats between units within the UI Health Hospital System
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
  
  
  

Minimum Qualifications Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One (1) year (12 months) of “lived” i experience in sustained recovery and re-entry in the area(s) of specialization inherent to the position.
• Incarceration
• Chronic health management (diabetes, hypertension, cancer, etc.)
• Mental/behavioral health management
• Substance abuse (illicit drug or alcohol dependency)
• Based on position and institutional requirements, possession of a valid and current (appropriate) State of Illinois driver’s license and proof of insurance at the time of appointment.
  
  
  

i Note: This experience may include personal experience as a parent, guardian, or a loved one you have supported through such a journey.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to engage and establish rapport with people from varied ethnic/social/economic backgrounds and health challenges.
• Ability to build mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among others.
• Basic computer skills with the ability to become proficient in the EHR with on-the-job training
  
  
  

To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.

Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required within 180 days of employment.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.